DeKalb Kicks Off Eighth Annual Summer Youth Jobs Training Program

700 youth to be paid $10 per hour for five-week virtual internship 

This summer, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and the Board of Commissioners are hosting the 2024 DeKalb Virtual Career Academy (DVCA), the county’s eighth annual summer jobs training program, run by WorkSource DeKalb.

“The summer youth training program addresses economic hurdles, including surging inflation and escalating food costs, by empowering young individuals to earn income while acquiring pivotal job skills that will open doors to bright futures,” CEO Thurmond said.

More than 4,000 DeKalb youth have received training through the internship program since it launched in 2017.

The application process is open April 15 through 11:59 p.m., April 23 , for the five-week program, which runs from June 3 through July 5.

DVCA will provide 700 internships to DeKalb residents ages 14 to 24, who will be paid $10 per hour. Prospective participants are invited to apply for the program at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/careeracademy. Participants will be selected through a lottery system. 

DVCA is a unique collaborative partnership between the DeKalb County Government, DeKalb County School District, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, WorkSource DeKalb, public/private partners and community resource agencies.

The primary focus of DVCA is to close achievement gaps, offer counseling and support to youth and their parents, and provide a positive alternative career experience during the summer months for youth.

The academy encompasses a variety of elements, including academic enhancement, counseling, career and credentialing training, GED preparation, and motivational workshops. 

Once notified, selected youth are asked to quickly respond to secure their position in this year’s exciting training program.

For more information, please contact Ms. Jowan Dennis, Employment and Training Analyst Supervisor at jdennis@dekalbcountyga.gov or (404) 313-2969.